Brig.-Gen Ahmed Balogun of the Nigerian Army in Benin has said that the distribution of Christmas food and monetary gifts to families of fallen officers was aimed at expressing gratitude.

Balogun noted that the gifts served as a reminder to the widows of fallen soldiers that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices of their late husbands, made in defence of their fatherland.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Balogun, Commander of the Brigade in Benin, had on Friday hosted a luncheon for widows and children of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Commander had alongside Chief Medical Director of the Military Hospital in Benin, Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime presented the items to 50 widows and six Magajiyas (leaders of soldiers’ wives).

Balogun noted that the initiative aligned with the idea of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritises the welfare of soldiers and their families.

According to him, the luncheon was a reminder to widows that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices made by their late husbands in the defence of the nation.

“While others are celebrating and making merry, we recognise that some of us here paid the supreme price through their husbands.

“Though they are no longer with us, the Army is here with you,” he said.

He explained that the command considered it important to celebrate with the widows and their children and to support them materially, as a demonstration that the Army and the nation still value their sacrifice.

“We are here to put soldiers first and to bring the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy to life by celebrating and identifying with our soldiers and their families during this Christmas season,” he said.
He assured that the initiative would be sustained and extended to other festive periods, including Ramadan and Sallah celebrations.
Also speaking, Brig.-Gen. Aburime commended the brigade for the luncheon, as well as the empowerment of the widows.

“I thank you on behalf of all the beneficiaries; I have seen you reach out to the widows and the children, and this is something we should continue to do and emulate,” She said.

She urged officers, soldiers and their families to continue to live in unity and love, noting that the Nigerian Army recognises and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivals.

Meanwhile, some of the widows, who reacted to the gesture, expressed appreciation to the commander for the support.
One of the widows, Mrs Queen Obazuwa, appealed for sustained assistance, noting that the widows depended on the Army for continued support following the loss of their husbands.

“Please continue to help us and keep the widows in mind; We thank God for his life and say a very big thank you,” she said.

NAN